Investment Dealer Raymond James Ltd. today released its Canadian equity analysts’ best picks list for 2005. The list, according to Darren Martin, head of Raymond James’ Canadian equity research team, highlights 13 individual stocks of Canadian companies that the firm’s analysts expect will produce superior results during the upcoming year.
The 13 analyst-selected stocks are:
- ATS Automation Tooling Systems;
- Cambior;
- Canadian Natural Resources;
- Canfor;
- DALSA;
- Finning International;
- Groupe Laperriere & Verreault;
- ProEx Energy;
- Saputo;
- Southwestern Resources;
- Stornoway Diamond;
- Talisman Energy; and
- Zargon Energy Trust
. “In terms of measuring performance, this is a static, one-year list and we will tally the returns at the end of 2005,” said Martin, in a release. “Although unforeseen elements can affect any company’s stock performance, our analysts are confident that the fundamentals of these firms are sound and should produce enhanced value for investors during 2005.”
“This is the third year that the Raymond James Canadian analysts issued a Best Picks list. We are building a strong track record and I am optimistic that over the coming years, we will continue to outperform the market as we have done in 2004,” added Martin.
The 2004 Canadian best picks generated a total return of 19.0% on average versus 14.2% for the TSX Composite Total Return Index, from the Dec. 12, 2003 selection date through to Dec. 10, 2004. The Best Picks 2004 List consisted of 14 analyst-selected stocks.
“The outperformance of our 2004 Picks relative to the TSX Composite was driven largely by the strong returns generated by Cardiome Pharma, NOVA Chemicals, Davis + Henderson Income Fund, Talisman Energy and Enerflex Systems,” said Martin.